Volunteer Spotlight: Similoluwa Oyelude

Similoluwa “Simi” Oyelude (G. Elias, Nigeria)

Similoluwa “Simi” Oyelude leads the intellectual property (IP) team at G. Elias in Lagos, Nigeria. Her daily work involves advising on IP-related matters, handling disputes, practicing IP enforcement, and advising clients on negotiations of commercial agreements.

Ms. Oyelude loves being a member of INTA, particularly for the opportunities it provides for networking and travel. Thanks to her involvement in the Association since 2013, she has made many friends from all around the world. She has been a committee member for several years and is currently a member of the Leadership Best Practices Subcommittee of the Leadership Development Committee. She particularly enjoyed being a member of the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia Subcommittee of the Non-Traditional Trademark Committee where she contributed research on the registrability of nontraditional trademarks in Nigeria. She will join the Publications Committee for the upcoming 2024–2025 Committee Term.

She sees a lot of issues of increasing importance to the IP community today. One area is the intersection of trademarks and emerging technologies such as AI and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and established technologies such as domain names, and the use of trademarks in advertising and on social media platforms. However, focusing on her own jurisdiction, trademark infringement and enforcement matters are very topical, and she believes that many brand owners are very much concerned with these issues. Trademark infringement is a significant concern both on digital platforms where counterfeit goods are being sold as well as in traditional open markets. Some Nigerian IP laws have provided paths of recourse for trademark infringement and enforcement issues, but it is imperative that a body like INTA continue to advocate for effective laws, regulations, and mechanisms for these matters.

While Ms. Oyelude is very happy in her current work environment, she appreciates that INTA is addressing issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion, and believes that it would be interesting to study the role of women lawyers outside the Western world. She hopes the Association will continue to encourage its member firms to add more female partners as well as encourage more participation from people from different social and ethnic backgrounds. She also would like to see more in-house counsel consider selecting local firms with a diverse and inclusive staff, and for INTA to continue to support these policies within their membership.

Her favorite trademark is ALWAYS, as it represents the wide availability of feminine hygiene products, which are not always available or convenient to purchase, and which are critical to women’s health.

When she is not working, she likes to cook and experiment in the kitchen with new recipes. She loves movies and traveling.

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.

© 2023 International Trademark Association